Indoor and outdoor water features

from Inside Out - 2021

Safety first when canning your own food

Page 16 April 8, 2021 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

• InsideOut Indoor and outdoor water features

Many people intuitively know that being around water is relaxing. Whether it’s a day at the beach or a lake water has a way of calming the mind and body. Now research has even shown that “blue space” or being near water can have the same benefits as spending time in “green space.”

A European research group lead by scientists at the University of Exeter in the U.K. found evidence that spending time around water is beneficial to human health. Water takes you away from distractions and simplifies the visual landscape — essentially giving your brain a break. Cognitive and physical effects of water include an improved sense of physical health and wellbeing. Other research has looked at the benefits of the sounds of water like rain and waterfalls. The sounds tend to be rhythmic and usually build up or dissipate gradually, rather than suddenly, which our brain finds inherently soothing.

If you don’t happen to have waterfront property you can still enjoy the benefits of water features inside and outside your home.

Types of water features 1. Ecosystem or natural ponds include a natural balance of fish, plants, aeration, filtration and rocks and gravel. Everything contained in the feature interacts naturally with one another helping to create and maintain a sustainable, low-maintenance ecosystem pond. These ponds are completely unique. If you are concerned about murky water there are biological filters and pond skimmers that will help keep the water clean. 2. Pondless waterfalls are simply a recirculating waterfall or stream without a pond. It is an ideal option for families with small children, you can add the sight and sound of running water into your landscape without safety concerns. These features can also be inside your home and vary in size from a desktop version to entire walls. Pondless waterfalls are great for small yards or patios.

They work by using a pump and a basin to store the necessary amount of water for the waterfall to work. Other benefits include the lovely sound of cascading water plus they need little to no maintenance. 3. Rain curtains are a very modern design feature. Tiny holes of equal size and in the desired pattern (usually a straight line) are drilled into the upper portion of the device. A pump is added to recycle water to the top. The sound mimics that of gentle falling rain. Rain curtains can be added over a portion of the swimming pool or can be used in other outdoor features. 4. Laminar jets have become a popular water feature and are commonly seen at warm weather hotel pools and splash pads. The streams of water that flow from the jets can be as wide or narrow as you like or can be expelled intermittently through the use of programmable units. LED lighting can also be added to produce the effect of a solid stream of liquid light. 5. Fountains. Good old-fashioned Eco ponds or natural ponds contain a fountains. Fountains can be grand balance of plants an animals to pro- and complex or delicate and minimal. This is another feature that can easily duce their own ecosystem. be included inside the home with a tabletop version or wall mounted. Outdoor fountains have enormous variety and can fit any style or space. The sound they make will depend on whether the water in your fountain dribbles lazily from layer to layer or pours in great volumes down the face of elaborate rock structures. 6. Finally, don’t forget the humble bird bath. Probably the most common type of water feature they are inexpensive and give the added benefit of enjoying the wildlife they attract. You might also consider giving butterflies, bees and other handy pollinators a place to get fresh water by providing a dish filled with water and partially submerged stones to give the buzzy types a place to land and get a drink. If you have a big budget to add some soothing water to your property you can have a natural looking stream installed along with lush landscaping. Or, how about your own lazy river to swim in? These installations are best left to the professionals as they will require technical savvy as well as extensive landscaping design and abilities. The range of options for adding a water feature to your home are almost limitless. Whether you only want to spend $10 or tens of thousands of dollars, you’ll be sure to find a beautiful way to bring the benefits of water to your living space.